Greater water parsnip is a large perennial with hollow stems and small white flowers. It is found in wetland areas. Unfortunately greater water parsnip has declined rapidly over the last 200 years due to the drainage of wetlands and loss of habitat.
How to identify
Identification can be confusing, as the plant is heterophyllous (has leaves of different shapes during development). Young aquatic leaves are submerged and finely divided while mature aerial leaves have serrated leaflets. This species is likely to be confused with lesser water parsnip which is abundant in many ditches. Greater water parsnip flowers through July to September with large, white, compound umbels.
Did you know?
The greater water parsnip is related to the humble carrot but unlike our beloved vegetable it is highly toxic.
